Word of Truth Fellowship

The biblical feasts, as outlined in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16, are significant moments in the scriptural calendar, calling believers to gather, worship, and reflect. These appointed times—Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and Feast of Tabernacles—are not just rituals but opportunities to connect with the Almighty, celebrate His provision, and trust in His protection. This post explores the upcoming feasts, particularly the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles, with insights into their meaning and practical observance.

The Three Main Feasts

Deuteronomy 16 highlights three primary feasts requiring pilgrimage to Jerusalem: Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and Feast of Tabernacles. These were times to set aside daily work, gather in fellowship, and present offerings. The second tithe, a biblical savings plan, ensured resources for travel and celebration, allowing believers to rejoice without worry. As Scripture promises, God protects the homes and properties of those who obey His command to attend these feasts, freeing them from concern (Deuteronomy 16:15).

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah)

Leviticus 23:23-25 describes the Feast of Trumpets, known in Hebrew as Yom Teruah, observed on the first day of the seventh month. This day is a Shabbaton—a solemn rest akin to a Sabbath—marked by a teruah, a shout or blast of trumpets. The Hebrew word teruah signifies a loud, joyful noise, as seen in Joshua 6 when the Israelites shouted at Jericho’s walls. While often translated as “trumpets,” the emphasis is on making a memorial noise, which can include shouting with your voice.

This holy convocation calls for no ordinary work and an offering to God, which may include monetary gifts, not just food (Leviticus 23:25). Unlike other months, this is the only first day of the month commanded as a rest, challenging lunar Sabbath interpretations that tie the new moon to a weekly Sabbath. The Feast of Trumpets is simple: gather with believers, make a joyful noise, rest, and give. It’s a set-apart time, distinct from secular gatherings, reminding us to focus on God’s commands without added traditions like apples and honey, which are not biblically mandated.

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippurim)

On the tenth day of the seventh month comes the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippurim), a plural term reflecting atonement for all people (Leviticus 23:26-32). This is a day of complete rest—no work at all—and a time to “afflict yourselves,” commonly understood as fasting, as supported by Isaiah 58:3-5. Fasting humbles the body and soul, aligning with the call to set aside personal pleasure and focus on God. However, Isaiah 58 also suggests sharing food with the less fortunate, indicating that affliction can extend beyond fasting for those already in need.

The Day of Atonement is not about earning salvation but about collective repentance and humility. Historically, only the high priest performed rituals on this day (Leviticus 16), while the people gathered and rested. Contrary to some traditions, it’s not the “most holy day” requiring pilgrimage, nor does it demand death for non-observance—only being “cut off” from the community (Leviticus 23:29). The biblical instruction is clear: rest, gather, afflict yourself, and offer something to God, keeping it simple and scriptural.

The timing of this day, from evening of the ninth to evening of the tenth, aligns with a sunrise-to-sunrise biblical day, limiting the fast to roughly 24 hours rather than an extended period (Jacob Milgrom, Leviticus: A Book of Ritual and Ethics). This distinguishes it from the weekly Sabbath, called “your Sabbath,” emphasizing its unique role as a personal time of reflection.

Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

From the fifteenth to the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is a seven-day celebration, with an additional solemn assembly on the eighth day (Leviticus 23:33-36). The first and eighth days are holy convocations with no ordinary work, while the intervening days allow regular activities. Believers are to dwell in booths (sukkot), temporary shelters made from branches of palm, willow, and other trees, to recall Israel’s wilderness journey (Leviticus 23:40-43).

Nehemiah 8 provides a biblical example: the people built booths on their roofs and in courtyards, living in them for seven days, not merely eating a single meal as some modern traditions depict. This act of dwelling, combined with rejoicing and giving offerings, connects us to God’s deliverance from Egypt. The eighth day, distinct yet connected, involves a final gathering and offering (Numbers 29).

Keeping It Simple and Biblical

The feasts are not burdensome, as 1 John 5:3 reminds us: God’s commands are not grievous. Avoid adding human traditions, like waving branches or complex rituals, that stray from Scripture. Instead, focus on the essentials: rest, gather, give, and rejoice. Offerings, whether first fruits or personal gifts, are not fixed amounts but come from the heart, reflecting trust in God’s provision (Deuteronomy 16:17).

As we prepare for these feasts, let’s approach them with simplicity and faith, trusting God’s promise to protect and bless us as we obey. These are appointed times to meet with Him, set apart from worldly routines, to glorify His name.

A Prayer for the Feasts

Father, we thank You for Your appointed times, simple yet profound opportunities to draw near to You. Help us obey Your commands, rest in Your presence, and give generously from what You’ve provided. Protect our homes and hearts as we celebrate, and let our gatherings reflect Your holiness. May we glorify Your name, trusting in Your provision and peace. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.